Additional rice exports to Malaysia are expected to boost foreign exchange earnings, support farmers and strengthen Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has secured an additional 70,000 metric-tonne rice export deal with Malaysia, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif saying the agreement will support the national economy and create greater opportunities for farmers.
The Prime Minister said expanding international market access for Pakistani agricultural products remained a key government priority, describing the additional rice export volume as an important step towards strengthening export-led economic growth.
“We will continue our journey towards the goal of export-led economic growth through sustained hard work,” he said in a statement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz appreciated the efforts of relevant ministries and government authorities in securing the additional rice export volume to Malaysia for the period from October to December 2026.
He said higher agricultural exports would help generate valuable foreign exchange while supporting farmers through stronger demand for locally produced commodities.
The Prime Minister described the development as the result of diplomatic and commercial efforts aligned with the government’s objective of expanding Pakistan’s presence in international markets.
He reiterated that the government would continue pursuing policies focused on increasing exports, improving market access and strengthening Pakistan’s economic foundations.
Prime Minister Shehbaz particularly praised Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, as well as federal ministers and secretaries of the ministries of National Food Security and Commerce, for their role in securing the additional export opportunity.
The latest agreement comes as Pakistan seeks to diversify its export destinations and improve the global competitiveness of its agricultural products. Rice remains one of Pakistan’s major agricultural export commodities, making expanded access to the Malaysian market significant for the country’s exporters and farming sector.